Hedi Slimane moved from Paris to Los Angeles to pursue art and photography after leaving Dior Homme in 2007, and rather than return to Paris to work out of Yves Saint Laurent’s Parisian headquarters now that he’s been named creative director of the brand, he has chosen to remain in LA. WWD reports that fittings will continue to take place in Paris and the label’s ateliers will still work from YSL’s Avenue George V offices. Some forum members were uneasy about what affect the influence of LA culture and the lack of Parisian surroundings and inspirations would have on Slimane’s designs.

“What??!!” agee choked out. “I am pretty down to earth but… but… designs for the YSL label being created in Los Angeles? Who is going to be the house muse? Kim Kardashian? A Real Housewifeof Beverly Hills? A bikini clad skater from Venice Beach?”

Chanelcouture09 came to Slimane’s defense. “You've only got to look at [Slimane’s] photography to know he won't be making Kim Kardashian a muse anytime soon… I would have preferred him to be in London, purely because I think London speaks volumes for his taste and sense of style, but I still don't know what to expect from him,” he admitted. “One thing’s for certain, most of his campaigns will be in black and white, if they are indeed to be shot by him. One thing I do love about him being in LA is that it's not very cliché, like London, Paris, Milan, and New York, where most studios are based,” he added.

Maybe this fresh perspective is exactly what fashion needs right now. If anyone can look past the seedy celebrity culture of LA and create something beautiful from it, it’s Hedi Slimane.

TheFashionSpot's Forum Buzz editor, Chrissy Makkas, has been a member and moderator of the tFS forums since early 2005. She regularly reports on hot topics and up-to-the-minute commentary from the forums, and highlights what trendsetting members are shopping for and wearing from week to week in her popular "What We Bought" and "Forum Street Style" features. You can find ChrissyM in the forums here.